My introduction to Collies began in my early teens (many decades ago!). I lived in a small village called Ashtead, near Espom in Surrey. I answered an advertisement for someone to assist with kennel duties (in those days you were allowed to say kennelmaid without being prosecuted) on Saturdays and sometimes after school and being the only applicant, I got the job. My very good luck was that I went to meet Miss P.Young, Dindella Collies - based mainly on Mywicks stock. She was a marvellous teacher and took me to many of the London Provincial shows, where such wonderful collies as Int. Ch. Lochinvar of Ladypark and Eng. Ch. Mywicks Meadow Lancer were exhibited. To my mind still some of the best collies we have ever seen. Pam and I are still in contact, she now lives in Cornwall.

Many years later, I came to Australia with my husband, Charlie, who already had a bull terrier living here, Porgy. So, naturally, I had to have Bess! She was Kylieford Aquarius - thank you Pam and Bill Phillips. She was my foundation bitch and Bess was definitely BOSS!

I have been most fortunate in my life with Collies to come across and become very good friends with Glad Osborne (Glendallo) and Pam and Harry Hackett (Cnocmoy) - unfortunately we lost our dear Glad some years ago, and Pam and Harry are now not involved in the world of Collies, but still remain great friends and are great 'sounding boards'for bloodlines etc.

We have for the past 20 years lived at San Isidore, 10 kilometres from Wagga Wagga, NSW, on 7 acres overlooking the valley (and the showground!), with wonderful neighbours (- hello Deidre & Mikala!) with their Shetland Sheepdogs, and love the lifestyle here.

At present we have several 'golden oldies'as well as our middle-agers and some youngies. I do not do as many shows as I would like, due to health restrictions, but go to shows when I can.

My founding lines were Kylieford, Cnocmoy, Glendallo and Cathkin and thanks to my good friend Jenny Wales, have some of her Cherrylea lines in there too!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy my website, which Mikala is doing for me - thank goodness she is next door as I am just about computer illiterate!!

Val Down
Coneshane Collies - which by the way came from the names of my first three Collies - CONNIE, BESS & SHANE.